Formula One news

BMW on back foot in Turkey

Despite the intense heat on the undulating and challenging Istanbul Park track, both of the day's practice sessions were trouble-free for the BMW Sauber F1 Team. Because of a lose drain cover on the track, the second session was shortened by 28 minutes, but the team still managed to do the majority of its work. In the two sessions Robert Kubica was 11th and tenth quickest and Nick Heidfeld ninth and 13th. 

"This morning the track was really slippery and many drivers went off, so the conditions were very difficult," said Kubica. "In the afternoon the conditions were better, we mainly concentrated on the long runs to compare the tyres and we have done some good work. Unfortunately the session was stopped for quite a while, so we had to drop some set- up work, but we have some time to do that tomorrow. I would have liked to do one more run, but it was the same for everyone." 

Nick Heidfeld added, "I enjoy driving here and I like the track, although in the morning in particular it was very slippery. Despite losing almost half an hour of track time, we completed all the important jobs and compared the two tyre specifications. The set-up is not ideal yet and, in my view, my long runs at the end were not perfect either." 

Technical director Willy Rampf added, "We can be satisfied up to now. We lost valuable track time for the set-up work, but that is the same for every team, so we concentrated on long runs. Now we have to look into the data, but we are happy with the lap times set over the longer runs. Tomorrow our focus will be preparation for qualifying. For Sunday we can expect similar temperatures to today, so we have a hot race ahead of us."

more news

• 28 Nov.
  • Raikkonen close to Citroen WRC deal
  • Tung looking for 'useful' test
• 27 Nov.
  • Montreal seals Formula One contract
  • GPUpdate TV: Domenicali - high hopes for 2010
  • Jerez test: The cast
  • Wurz plays down USF1 link
  • Renault to test Baguette, Tung and Di Grassi
  • Alonso makes second visit to Ferrari
  • Force India confirms Sutil and Liuzzi
  • All new teams now FOTA members
  • Sauber buys team back from BMW
  • De la Rosa pushing for race drive
  • Ecclestone: I won't buy Donington
  • Haug becomes part of F1 in Schools
  • Volkswagen to provide F1 engines?
• 26 Nov.
  • Alguersuari: 2010 contract is signed
  • Conway and Ericsson to test for Mercedes
  • 4 driver options left for Lotus
  • 'F1 in need of Schumacher return' - Verstappen
• 25 Nov.
  • 'Fantastic opportunity' - Di Resta on Force India test
  • Recap: N.Technology court bid fails
  • BMW testers excited about Jerez
  • Brawn disappointed with Button drives, ponders Lauda
  • Piquet to drive in Massa kart race
  • Brawn aero chief wins award
  • Gillett disappointed with government position
  • Mercedes hopes to confirm line-up by Christmas
• 24 Nov.
  • Briatore verdict expected in January
  • Donington still hopeful over F1 race
  • Montreal race confirmation imminent
  • Massa names drivers for karting event
  • Campos car passes FIA safety tests
  • Strong test could seal drive, says Mallya
  • Force India to test di Resta and Hildebrand
  • Courts to hear Briatore case
  • Silverstone GP deal forthcoming
• 23 Nov.
  • GPUpdate TV: Sam Michael - building on 2009
  • Theissen waiting on entry decision
  • Mercedes delighted with Rosberg confirmation
  • Confirmed: Rosberg to Mercedes for 2010

Homepage